The research is clear: When we take care of ourselves, we’re more productive, feel happier and have fewer injuries. That’s why the Louis S. Wolk Jewish Community Center of Greater Rochester has developed five pillars that pave the way to total wellness: mindset, connections, movement, nutrition and restoration.

“This is about guiding the people who come here through what they need,” says Lyndsay Polizzi, JCC's marketing director.

Here’s how each pillar improves your life:

MINDSET

Success depends on staying on task, adapting when routines shift, and embracing a state of constant progress. “You’ve got to have the right mindset to be positive and move forward,” says JCC associate executive director Eke Aiono, who oversees fitness, wellness and recreation.

Your surroundings factor in, which is why the JCC recently completed a major renovation, with new features including a glass-enclosed fitness center that lets in natural light and a fireplace in the lounge area. It has also stepped up programs that target brain health. Super Noggin, for example, is a national, research-based program that maintains and improves cognitive function.

JCC Rochester(Photo11: Don Cochran)

Study after study shows that mindfulness and meditation can help ease anxiety, depression and pain, so the JCC has honed its focus in these areas, offering fusion yoga classes and programs such as “Opening the Mind Through Meditation” and “Meditation and Mindfulness for Men.”

Our daily lives are so caught up with technology, Polizzi explains, so taking this kind of class “allows you to disconnect and relax your mind.”

MOVEMENT

We move throughout the day without really thinking about it—and that can be a problem. The American Physical Therapy Association says that when we feel pain with no obvious cause, the culprit is likely the accumulated years of poor posture and bad body mechanics.

“The biggest thing in the industry now is training people to move often and move well,” says Aiono.

The JCC uses a screening tool called TRX MAPS that provides a body movement assessment in less than 30 seconds, enabling a targeted exercise plan that addresses areas of weakness.

Champion Fitness Center(Photo11: Don Cochran)

A new aquatic training program includes this screening, as well as personal training sessions and a 15-minute stroke evaluation in the accessible, zero-entry pool.

One new member, in a wheelchair since an accident many years ago, was introduced to a water wheelchair at the Center.

“There were tears,” recalls Craig Pearlberg, member relations representative, “because he was able to get his body moving and play with his son for the first time in the pool.”

CONNECTIONS

Social connection—feeling part of a community—is an essential human need. Rooted in Jewish traditions and values, the JCC is proudly open and welcoming to all. It has a diverse membership and staff, and is a second home to many. In fact, more than half its members and employees are not of Jewish descent.

Bobry Family Pool(Photo11: Don Cochran)

There’s diversity in age and background, languages spoken, partnerships with schools and groups.

“This is a place where you can see three generations in one place at the same time,” Aiono says.

Adds Polizzi: “It’s where anybody and everybody can come together.”

Cultural events include an annual Jewish Book Festival and Jewish Film Festival. In addition, the Hart Theater is home to TYKEs (Theatre Young Kids Enjoy) and CenterStage Theatre, which present full seasons of local-professional theatre productions for kids and adults.

NUTRITION

Nearly four out of 10 adults in the U.S. were considered obese in 2015-16—an increase of 30 percent from 1999-2000, according to the CDC.

Cafe area(Photo11: Don Cochran)

Here’s a wake-up call: It takes a full two hours of walking at a moderate pace to burn off a 4-ounce bowl of spaghetti with a half cup of meatless red sauce.

To help with good food choices, the JCC’s cafe serves salads, smoothies, protein shakes, homemade muffins and other healthy options made in part with local ingredients.

Polizzi says, “We bring in doctors for lectures and have a nutrition consultant on staff to come up with programs that round out the whole body.”

RESTORATION

A bit of downtime in a social setting is a good way to foster a sense of well-being.

Piano player Mike Miller is in the Center’s lounge several days a week for instrumentals, singalongs and storytelling. And the spa, as an added service, includes a sauna, steam room, massage and reiki.

“Reiki is new to a lot of people,” says Polizzi, “so we’re trying to help them understand what it means and how it fits into the healing arts.”